Edmund F. Tompkins has served as Minister of Music and Organist at Morning Star Lutheran Church (ELCA), in Matthews, North Carolina, since February 2004. Prior to this, Ed had served as Director of Music/Organist since 1981 in churches in Durham, NC; Nashville, TN; and Richmond, VA. Ed directs two adult vocal choirs, two inter-generational handbell choirs, and two instrumental ensembles as well as vocal and instrumental opportunities for children and youth. He is President and Assistant Director of Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble, a new community bell group led by Artistic Director Tim Waugh. Ed is a graduate of Duke University and Scarritt Graduate School. Ed has served on the Area III American Guild of English Handbell Ringers Board of Directors and as president of the Charlotte Chapter Choristers Guild. He has conducted handbell festivals in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Virginia and Maryland and served on the handbell faculties at Montreat Conferences on Worship and Music, Massanetta Church Music Conference, and Lutheridge Music Week. He and his wife Judy and their two children live in Indian Trail, North Carolina.